Plants, the backbone of agriculture and food security, face constant threats from diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Plant Pathology, the scientific study of plant diseases and their management, plays a crucial role in protecting crop health, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, and supporting global food production. By diagnosing and controlling plant diseases, plant pathologists help farmers reduce losses, improve yields, and develop resistant crop varieties.  

This department typically covers the identification, causes, effects, and control of diseases that affect crops. This department has one well equipped laboratory of 1650 sq.ft. area and an ELP unit “Sri Nadella Mushroom Cultivation Unit” is being operated under the Department of Plant Pathology.

The Plant Pathology Department actively engages students in learning beyond textbooks through various enriching activities:  

• Hands-on Training: Practical sessions on disease diagnosis (identifying pathogens by scraping disease-infected samples), biopesticide applications (Bordeaux paste and Bordeaux mixture), and laboratory techniques (handling lab equipment, preparing media and isolating different pathogens).  

• Field Visits: Students step out of the classroom and into real fields, where they observe plant diseases and gain practical insights into crop health, disease prevention, and real-world agricultural challenges.  

• Mushroom Cultivation: Students receive hands-on training in mushroom cultivation through Experiential Learning Program (ELP) unit.